Sunday Messenger
June 28, 2026

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Scripture and Feast Day Notes

Isaiah 2:5-11 Isaiah continues to unfold God’s warning that the people of Judah and Jerusalem have abandoned him for meaningless abundance and idols. Their treasure is no longer their Lord, but rather gold and silver, horses and chariots.  God, however, will bring down the arrogant. In the last days “the Lord alone will be exalted.” (v.11) Discuss/reflect: What are your precious treasures and idols (2:7-8)? Use your answers to pray a confessional prayer and ask to be freed from materialism and idolatry that you might “walk in the light of the Lord.” (2:5)

Romans 8:31-10:4 St. Paul outlines the unambiguous nature of God’s sovereignty. His fierce love, a love that took his own Son to the cross, calls us to a relationship where  neither persecution, nor famine, nor any danger, in fact nothing, “in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.” (8:39) Paul expresses compassion for the Israelites who still believe the Law is the way to God rather than faith in his love and mercy. Discuss/reflect: In what ways do we establish our own rules of righteousness rather than submitting to God’s (10:3)? Do you do this? Do religious institutions do this?

Matthew 13:24-30 In the Parable of the Weeds, one of a number of “Kingdom” parables in this theologically-rich chapter, Jesus uses the harvest as a common symbol for the final judgment. The weeds are brought into being by Evil itself and will prosper side by side in the world. Only in the fullness and end of time and only with God’s discernment and not our own limited understanding, will the weeds be burned (an agricultural image well understood in Jesus’ time). God’s judgment may take many of us by surprise as we think – often in ignorance and intolerance — about who we feel is “in” and who is “out”! Jesus explains the parable to his disciples in vv 36-43. Discuss/reflect: Have you had a season in your own life where a person could have looked at you and judged you harshly

The Kiss of Peace – After the gifts of the Eucharist are brought to the Altar Table, the deacon proclaims, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”  The person giving the greetings says, Kristos ee mech mer Haydnetsav – Christ is revealed amongst us.  The recipient would respond, Orhnial eh Haydnootiunun Kristosee – Blessed is the revelation of Christ.

The Nicene Creed/ Havadamk – This is the Profession of our Faith which is recited every Sunday moments after the Gospel is read from the altar. Sometimes it is sung, but more often it is recited  by the Deacons and/or the Choir.  We invite you to affirm your own “Profession of Faith” by reciting along with us.  God longs for all of us to express our faith and devotion to Him.

Altar flowers are placed in loving memory of Florence Boyajian on the 40^th day of her passing by her Goddaughter Carol Jerrahian.

Requiem Services – We Honor And Pray For These Souls

Karasoonk today will be for

Florence Boyajian on the 40^th day of her eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by her Goddaughter Carol Jerrahian.

Hokehankist today will be for

Dr. Albert M. Sarkessian on the one-year anniversary of his eternal rest. Requested in loving memory by Elizabeth, Robert, Robin, Robbie and Christy Barone.

Donald Parry Whitticar who entered his eternal rest on June 22, 2026. Requested in loving memory by the Sarkisian family.

Agape Hour — a beautiful expression of love, community, and togetherness is just not the same without YOU!! Please join us after Divine Liturgy for fellowship and good conversation. All are Welcome! Today’s Agape Hour is sponsored in loving memory of Florence Boyajian by her daughter Cindy.

Holy Badarak – Over the summer is a wonderful time to learn and familiarize yourself with the Badarak. If your children sing in the school choir, please encourage them to come sing in our church choir to continue developing their voice on Sundays during the summer. It’s ok if they don’t know many of the sharagans, they will learn. And if they can read music, they will be fine. Our senior choir members are here to help. We look forward to seeing your children upstairs with us!

Calling all beach lovers! Join us this summer at the water’s edge for a great “beach read.” Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church in Watervliet, NY will guide us on a three-session ZOOM based on an inspiring little book called Breakfast on the Beach: Finding God at the Water’s Edge.  Even though we won’t actually be having breakfast at the beach, we promise you a different kind of fulfilling experience at the water’s edge. We will explore a new way to reflect on the sea, the sand, the sky, the shells and more. It is there we hope to encounter Christ. Participants can purchase the book at our bookstore for a discounted price of $5. Please note that only those who register for the program qualify for the reduced price (copies are limited). Join us, via Zoom, on the following Wednesday evenings: July 22, 29 and August 12. You can register at the bookstore or send an email to nancybasmajian@verizon.net.(07/19)

Attention Graduates! Looking for graduates (of all levels) to be included in upcoming digital church bulletins. We invite you to submit your own details for inclusion. Write-up should include: full name, parents’ names, name of institution, grade level or degree achieved, activity involvement (church or school), and future plans (further education/work/other). Please include a picture (in high resolution color), if possible. Everything should be sent to office@holytrinity-pa.org by July 3, 2026.

~~~~~~~~~~TODAY’S EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
Jul 03         Independence Day Observed – Church Office Closed
Jul 12         Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord
Jul 12         Vartavar Celebration
Jul 12         90^th Birthday Celebration in Honor of Merle Santerian
Aug 16        Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-Of-God (Blessing of the Grapes)
Sep 07         Labor Day – Church Office Closed
Sep 13         Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sep 21         Armenian Independence Day
Sep 27         Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak
Oct 24-25    Annual Harvest Bazaar